US F-35 fighter jet catches fire at San Diego military base
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A US F-35 fighter jet was involved in what was described as “aircraft mishap” that sparked a fire Friday morning at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, sending heavy black smoke into the air and drawing a rapid emergency response.
Marine Corps officials confirmed that emergency personnel responded to the incident involving an F-35 assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Aircraft Group 11.
The “mishap” occurred on the flight line, with the fire located east of the base’s runways near the intersection of Kearny Villa Road and Johnson Road.
Fox News described the incident as a "crash".
BREAKING: A F-35 has reportedly crashed at Miramar Air Base.
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) July 31, 2026
The aircraft appeared to be on final approach before crashing and exploding. Pilot conditions are currently unknown. pic.twitter.com/idV3BOkqRV
US media news crew spotted the heavy smoke rising from the base shortly after 10 AM while driving near MCAS Miramar.
Helicopter footage later showed thick smoke and what appeared to be a burned aircraft in the area.
“Marine Corps officials told the station that emergency personnel responded to an F-35 ‘aircraft mishap’ on the flight line,” according to local reporting.
JUST IN:
— Current Report (@Currentreport1) July 31, 2026
An advanced US F-35 fighter jet valued at around $109 million crashed and caught fire in San Diego, California. pic.twitter.com/gc4RvjplV6
Officials have not released details on the cause of the incident or whether anyone was injured.
MCAS Miramar serves as home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and hosts F-35 operations as part of the Marine Corps’ transition to the advanced stealth fighter.
The base is located in the San Diego area and routinely conducts training and flight operations.
